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Available all year-round and loaded with more vitamin C than oranges and more potassium than a banana.
kiwi is a sweet fruit that tastes good and provides an abundance of nutritious benefits.
You may be tempted to share some kiwi with your cavia, but is it safe? Is it okay for guinea pigs to eat kiwi?
does it have any health benefits to offer for our furry friend the same way it has to offer you and I?
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Kiwi?
Guinea pigs can eat kiwi, but in a moderate quantity, This fruit contains a lot of sugar, so try to feed them kiwi only as a treat and not as regular food due to possible stomach problems.
Don’t forget that fresh fruit and vegetable should make only 5% of the guinea pig’s nutrition.
Also, your guinea pig should only eat the flesh of the kiwi, while the outer layer can be edible, but you should check about it with your veterinarian.
In general, you should avoid the outer layer, and giving your guinea pig the flesh of the kiwi only.
A QUICK TIP: Always check if your guinea pig should eat any type of fruit or vegetable. Some fruit and vegetable can be dangerous and even deadly.
Benefits Of kiwi For guinea pigs
Kiwi is known to be more than 100% of the generally recommended minimum daily allowance of Vitamin C, which is great news because Guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C, so their diet needs to be supplemented with vitamin C to fulfill its deficiency in their bodies.
Kiwi does have some anti-inflammatory properties and benefits in fighting cancer and respiratory issues.
Vitamin K and vitamin E are also present in good quantity in the Kiwi fruit. Also, there is a lot of potassium in kiwi. Kiwi is known for protection against oxidative cell damage and preventing breathing issues.
How Should kiwi Be Served To guinea pigs?
Moderation is the key.
Don’t try giving your guinea pig a whole kiwi. Take the skin off and remove the seeds (optional). Now cut the fruit into small bites and offer your guinea pig just one.
He might not like it. He might not like the smell. Some guinea pigs like tropical fruit and some do not. But the first time you give it, only try one piece.
If he likes it, the next time you can give two pieces. Then watch him for any of the problems mentioned above.
Pro Tip: The smaller bite size chunks make portion control far easier and avoids obstructions!
When Are kiwi Bad For guinea pigs?
In addition to kiwi being packed with vitamin C, they are also filled with natural sugar.
Feeding your guinea pig too many oranges can cause them to have an upset stomach due to too much sugar in their system. This can lead to digestive and/or stool concerns.
If your guinea pig is diabetic, this might not be the best fruit to snack on, either, as it might cause a spike in their blood sugar levels, which can lead to serious problems and a trip to your local vet.
How Much kiwi Is Safe For guinea pigs To Eat?
kiwi is safe for your guinea pig to eat in moderation. At most, a small amount of kiwi can be given to your guinea pig a few times a week.
Make sure you give them small chunks so they can digest it and it does not get caught in their digestive tract.
What Happens if You Feed Him Too Many
If you exaggerate and give him too much most likely he will have diarrhea and/or stomach pain.
| kiwi Part | Safe for your guinea pig? |
| Can Guinea Pigs Eat Kiwi Seeds? | Kiwi seeds are soft and small, meaning they pose no dangers for guinea pigs. As they are small enough to bite into without choking and soft enough to eat. |
| Can Guinea Pigs Eat kiwi skin? | No guinea pigs cannot eat kiwi skin, despite its nutrients. Because kiwi skin do actually contain a lot of fiber and nutrients, but it’s hard to digest. |
Alternatives To kiwi For guinea pigs
If you are on a mission on getting your guinea pig to eat a healthy snack in the form of fruit, but he is a kiwi fan, you can try some alternative solutions.
There are alternatives that taste just as good as kiwi and they come with the same or similar amount of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, the most common alternatives for kiwi are:
- Banana – they’re a great source of vitamins B and C, and the minerals magnesium and potassium
- Mango – this tropical fruit is high in fiber, as well as vitamin A, B6, C, and E. It tastes sweet so your guinea pig will love it. Make sure that you always cut it in small pieces
- Celery – this plant is healthy and safe for your guinea pig. Celery is known for being high in fiber. Therefore, it is believed that celery can help in lowering the blood pressure.
Conclusion
Kiwis, as you can see, are not dangerous per se and can even be beneficial and delicious to guinea pigs.
Being rich in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants they can be a perfect occasional treat if your cavia likes them.
The bottom line is – kiwi are fine for guinea pigs to eat as long as you’re controlling which parts of the fruit he or she’s having.
